Detectives have charged a man and seized cannabis worth an estimated $320,000 after a hydroponic set-up was dismantled at a home in the state's south.
In June 2020, detectives attached to Murray River Police District Proactive Crime Team established Strike Force Billarga to investigate the enhanced indoor cultivation of cannabis across the Murray River region.
As part of ongoing investigations, investigators executed a search warrant at a home on Thomas Street, Gerogery, about 30km north of Albury, about 9am yesterday (Wednesday 7 October 2020).
During a search of the home, police located a sophisticated hydroponic cannabis set-up in the home, seizing 106 cannabis plants with an estimated potential street value of $320,000, 31kg of cannabis leaf, firearm parts, cash, mobile phones and a tablet.
Officers also seized equipment consistent with the cultivation and supply of cannabis. The seized items will be forensically examined.
A 48-year old man was arrested at the home and taken to Albury Police Station. He was charged with seven offences including;
- Enhanced indoor cultivation - commercial quantity - expose child,
- Supply prohibited drug - commercial quantity,
- Supply prohibited drug,
- Two counts of possess prohibited drug,
- Possess unregistered firearm, and
- Deal with proceeds of crime, money/property of any value.
The man was refused bail to appear at Albury Local Court today (Thursday 8 October 2020).
Signs of a hydro house can include:
• Increased security measures (roller shutters, fences, vicious dogs in the yard),
• Increased use of electricity,
• Increased use of water,
• Illegal connection to electrical supply,
• Condensation on windows,
• Continual running of generators and lights,
• Disposal of large amounts of garbage,
• Large quantities of chemicals and fertilisers around the premises,
• Locks or other methods in place to prevent access to the electricity meter box,
• Discarded plastic containers and strong odours (fertilisers, liquid and bagged growing cultures).
Anyone with information about the cultivation and supply of cannabis is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
